Vancouver Whitecaps 2020 Season

[Watchmen]

Time to put the 2019 season (and thread) behind us.

An interesting interview with new sporting director Alex Schuster.  My favourite parts being when the hosts find out that the Whitecaps didn't have a scouting department and were forcing MDS to do all the work there as well.  The spent the rest of the show incredulous that a professional club would do that. 

 

[The Beaver 2.0]

On 11/23/2019 at 8:36 AM, Watchmen said:

Time to put the 2019 season (and thread) behind us.

An interesting interview with new sporting director Alex Schuster.  My favourite parts being when the hosts find out that the Whitecaps didn't have a scouting department and were forcing MDS to do all the work there as well.  The spent the rest of the show incredulous that a professional club would do that. 

 

Excited to see where Schuster takes things. It is going to take several years to get where this club needs to be, but these are all the right steps, finally. Cannot wait to see the roster shape up. (Oh, and I just saw Theo Bair walking down the street and he is a freaking monster. I'd hate to have to defend against a physical specimen like that!!)

[Big_M]

Its official Cavallini to Vancouver on a club-record transfer fee

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/12/16/official-vancouver-whitecaps-announce-signing-canadian-striker-lucas-cavallini

[Big_M]

Just dont like this Cavallini move unless they bring the strong players needed and get better coaching from dos santos..if that doesnt happen could see him being gone after 1-2 seasons as there will be high pressure for him and club to produce with that transfer fee

[SpursFlu]

I'm loving this move...

    Inbeom xXxX

Bair    Reyna   xXxX

         El Tanque 

Fill in those Xxxxs and I like what I'm seeing

 

[The Beaver 2.0]

A new sporting director and now a very solid signing in Cavallini give me hope that the Caps have a couple of additional strong signings in in mind before the season begins in two months.  We need help in midfield, somebody who complements Inbeom and makes us hard to break down and excellent in possession.  Mattias Laba, come on back! And yes, we need a seasoned winger or two. Not sure all these moves will happen before opening night, mind you.

[deschamp86]

MacMath is now gone which leaves Vancouver with only Crepeau and Hasal. I wonder if we could see Carducci re-join Whitecaps to compete against/back up Crepeau. Would probably make more sense if it was a Gold Cup year and Crepeau was likely to miss more time

[SpursFlu]

From what I've seen of him, I really like Hasal. At this point in his career, I doubt Carducci is interested in being a back up

Edited December 17, 2019 by SpursFlu

[deschamp86]

Just now, SpursFlu said:

From what I've seen of him, I really like Hasal. At this point in his career, I doubt Carducci is interested in being a back up

If it was a Gold Cup year it could have given him a few games to get some MLS interest, but yeah I doubt he goes for a backup job

[BearcatSA]

4 hours ago, deschamp86 said:

MacMath is now gone which leaves Vancouver with only Crepeau and Hasal. I wonder if we could see Carducci re-join Whitecaps to compete against/back up Crepeau. Would probably make more sense if it was a Gold Cup year and Crepeau was likely to miss more time

More likely to see a cheap journeyman brought in as a back up then Hasal can possibly get a loan out for seasoning.

[Bison44]

Did Irving sign with anyone yet?? He could come in on a small salary and he has 4 years in the USL under his belt.  

[youllneverwalkalone]

Whitecaps FC release Sport Law & Strategy Group review of safe sport practices Vancouver Whitecaps FC released on Wednesday the report dated December 13, 2019 from the independent review conducted by the Sport Law & Strategy Group (SLSG) of the club’s past and current safe sport policies and procedures, and the actions taken by Whitecaps FC in response to incidents that occurred in 2008. In addition, two other historical matters were reviewed and are addressed in the report. To read the SLSG report in full, visit HERE. The SLSG conducted extensive interviews and stakeholder engagement with over 350 former and current players, parents, staff, coaches and other interested stakeholders, and examined relevant documents including memos, letters, policies and procedures. Among the key findings, the SLSG report states: Since 2008, the Whitecaps have continued to improve their policies and practices particularly as they relate to safe sport. Many of the Whitecaps current policies and procedures for safe sport meet current leading practices in the sector. The Whitecaps current human resources procedures meet expected standards. The SLSG did not find that the Whitecaps were attempting to “cover up” the 2008 incidents or “sweep the incidents under the rug.” The Whitecaps managed the inappropriate text communication that was brought to their attention in May 2008 prudently and reasonably. The SLSG identified that in 2008 there was a lack of effective communication with the players and noted that it was this lack of communication that resulted in frustration, mistrust and speculation which has contributed to the lingering animosity still held by some former players today. The Whitecaps were criticized by some players for not taking steps to ensure that the coach was prohibited from coaching in the future. It was determined that the Whitecaps did not have the authority and jurisdiction to prohibit anyone from coaching in other soccer programs. Numerous recommendations were made by the SLSG to advance the Whitecaps FC efforts in safe sport and are cited in Section VIII of the report. This includes recommendations received from the stakeholders who participated in the review. All of the players interviewed were asked to provide their own recommendations for what improvements, solutions, or changes they would like to see Whitecaps FC adopt going forward. Their suggestions were also incorporated into the recommendations. The anonymous player from 2008 who participated in the initial process to approve the SLSG to carry out the review offered, “I have had the opportunity to review the report in its entirety and found it to be very thorough. I am satisfied with the approach the SLSG took by engaging athletes and the community and with the overall findings. I want to ensure current and future athletes have a safe, healthy experience and I believe the recommendations in this report will support that.” “We again express our sincere regret and empathy to the brave women who came forward to share their experiences, and to all who were affected,” said Whitecaps FC co-owner Jeff Mallett. “Athletes must be provided with an environment where they are safe, secure, and free from any form of bullying and harassment. We are grateful to the over 350 athletes, community members, parents, supporters, and staff who engaged in this review. This process has sharpened our focus on the importance of addressing the issues faced across all sport environments.” Added Mallett, “It’s reassuring to have the SLSG affirm that many of our practices meet leading standards. Nevertheless, we also recognize through their recommendations that there is much more we can do. Not only are we committed to adopting the recommendations in this report, but we’ve also started dialogue with key organizations to see how we can help further advance safe sport.” “We welcomed the opportunity to conduct this review on safe sport practices and would like to acknowledge the many stakeholders who participated in the process,” shared Dina Bell-Laroche, Partner, Sport Law & Strategy Group. “We hope that the recommendations provide the Whitecaps with additional measures to advance their leadership in this area.” Q&A Whitecaps ownership and executives have reviewed the SLSG report and prepared the following questions and answers: 1.    When did you receive the report? We received the final report from the SLSG on Friday, December 13.   2.   Why did the review take longer than expected? The priority was to provide the SLSG the necessary time to conduct their work thoroughly and independently. We acknowledge that the review process took longer than originally anticipated. Through this process the SLSG engaged over 350 stakeholders including former and current player, parents, staff, coaches and other interested parties.   3.   How was the SLSG chosen as the independent third party? We reviewed the credentials and experience and interviewed several organizations that consult on athlete safety. The SLSG has provided similar services to several major Canadian sports organizations over the past 27 years and are recognized as leaders in turning safe sport into actions. Additionally, we worked with a group of four former players connected to the matters in 2008 on the selection. We concluded that the SLSG was the best choice to conduct the independent review, share their findings and make recommendations. 4.   What actions are you taking as a result of the report’s findings? This process has sharpened our focus on the importance of addressing the issues faced across all sport environments. Not only are we committed to adopting the recommendations in this report, but we’ve also started dialogue with key organizations working in this space to see how we can help further advance safe sport. 5.   When can we expect to see these recommendations implemented?   We will be working as expeditiously as possible to implement the recommendations effectively. Our Human Resources department will be putting together a task force to lead the implementation of the recommendations and will prioritize the most pressing ones. The Safe Sport page on whitecapsfc.com will continue to house the latest information on the club’s initiatives in this space.   6.  Has there been communication with the four former players who were consulted prior to the review?   Yes, the four athletes who were invited to participate in the selection of the SLSG were made aware of the pending release of the report. One of those four players who wishes to remain anonymous offered, “I have had the opportunity to review the report in its entirety and found it to be very thorough. I am satisfied with the approach the SLSG took engaging athletes and the community and with the overall findings. I want to ensure current and future athletes have a safe, healthy experience and I believe the recommendations in this report will support that.” We again thank these women for their bravery in coming forward and express our sincere regret and empathy to all those who were affected. We are truly sorry. - whitecapsfc.com - About SLSG The SLSG is an independent third party that was created in 1992 and has been offering legal and risk management services and leadership development to hundreds of sport organizations across Canada, from community-based to national-level programing. About Vancouver Whitecaps FC The Vancouver Whitecaps FC purpose is to unite and inspire its communities. Whitecaps FC is one of the longest standing professional soccer clubs in North America, having originally been founded in 1974. Since 2011, the club has played in Major League Soccer, the top tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. Whitecaps FC are a fully integrated club, housing one of the most unique soccer development programs in North America, starting from grassroots and including professional development programs for both boys and girls, with a goal to provide a safe and welcoming environment so that all participants can thrive and achieve their potential. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com.

[Olympique_de_Marseille]

Roadtrip games on back-to-back weekends in April:

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/12/19/mls-rivalry-games-2020-listing-all-regular-season-matchups

[The Beaver 2.0]

Caps reported to have bought Godoy, but still awaiting official confirmation.  This is very good news, I feel, but I am still waiting on the improvements in the midfield before I get too too optimistic for this coming season.

And Furlong is out as Chair, with Mallet replacing him. I've no idea if this is a good thing or not, but it DOES suggest the Caps have decided to make decisive changes throughout the organization, most of them appearing to be smart ones. (Time will tell.)  

 

[Watchmen]

I like Godoy, but not at the purchase price of $1.5m.  They're burning through the Davies money without really building a better team.

[SpursFlu]

Whitecaps are 1 player away from (as far as I know) being the first MLS team without a single American player under contract. Nerwinski is the only 1 at the moment. Would that be something to celebrate? I think so

[Bison44]

Impact only have 2...maybe they could get down to a completely USA free roster as well.  TFC...well thats another story.  

[MM3/MM2/MM]

I have nothing against having quality Americans on the Canadian teams, but the journeymen players that seem to take the place of Canadians is another story.

[SpursFlu]

Outside of a select few is there anything but journeymen Americans in the MLS?

[CANMNT_SUPERFAN]

1 hour ago, SpursFlu said:

Whitecaps are 1 player away from (as far as I know) being the first MLS team without a single American player under contract. Nerwinski is the only 1 at the moment. Would that be something to celebrate? I think so

The complete antithesis to Toronto FC their 2 fellow Canadian MLS cousins, lmfao!!!!!!..... Still keeping my hopes high one day TFC has a Canadian DP.... Junior Hoilett would fit the bill perfectly , in that department! 😉

[RS]

8 minutes ago, CANMNT_SUPERFAN said:

The complete antithesis to Toronto FC their 2 fellow Canadian MLS cousins, lmfao!!!!!!..... Still keeping my hopes high one day TFC has a Canadian DP.... Junior Hoilett would fit the bill perfectly , in that department! 😉

How new are you? TFC's first DP was Canadian. He's still the only Canadian DP in MLS history (Cavallini's salary may push him into that territory although he could be a TAM player like his boy Osorio).

[BearcatSA]

2 hours ago, MM3/MM2/MM said:

I have nothing against having quality Americans on the Canadian teams, but the journeymen players that seem to take the place of Canadians is another story.

The bigger problem for the Caps has been their vetting and acquisition of international journeymen, one-MLS-season-and-doners, on loan or longer term contract.  Hopefully this Axel guy and his clandestine scouting department can solve that.

[CANMNT_SUPERFAN]

 

2 hours ago, RS said:

How new are you? TFC's first DP was Canadian. He's still the only Canadian DP in MLS history (Cavallini's salary may push him into that territory although he could be a TAM player like his boy Osorio).

Julian De Guzman, just recalled right now!!!... Totally forgot about that and if it weren't for you, would have completely been out of my mind ,lmfao!!.... Christ, just goes on to show how long it has been and how quickly time goes by!!!...  At that time, though, I did not followed Canadian fútbol , let alone the CAN MLS sides as closely and in detail as I do now, lmfao!!!!.... Still, at this point in time and with the salary increases in MLS and introduction of TAM , would still like TFC third DP to be a Canadian one at one point in time (I'm aware many in here echo my feelings) and based on attacking play that it seems TFC mostly likes to invest their DPs on, save for perhaps Bradley as far as my memory goes, thought Junior Hoilett fit the bill in that sense!!!!... Just bites me how , like many in here, the priority they seemed to place on American players and denying/limiting opportunities to local Homegrown players (Hamilton, Chapman, Raheem) and to an extent Okello and Liam Fraser this past season... Tbf, we can debate that some of the guys mentioned, that ended up being traded may have not make the best of their opportunities... Bet you are a TFC die-hard and by no means I meant to start an argument about TFC's history of DP players, but still want to put out my wishful thoughts on who the next Canadian DP for TFC should be in a near future!!!!.... Hoilett on a TAM would still work wonders, I guess!!!!.... Btw, I've enjoyed and respect all of the most recent DPs from Toronto FC, including Poz & Altidore at the moment!!!.... If the next DP is a relatively ,or, better yet popular, well-known player in the fútbol world (look back at the Balotelli rumours) I will take it anyway of the week!!!... Just saw today in the Toronto Sun, that there are rumours TFC is interested in Bruma!!!!!!

Peace out dude!

 

Edited December 30, 2019 by CANMNT_SUPERFAN

[GlassCity]

14 hours ago, RS said:

How new are you? TFC's first DP was Canadian. He's still the only Canadian DP in MLS history (Cavallini's salary may push him into that territory although he could be a TAM player like his boy Osorio).

Cavallini’s a DP - his wage + transfer fee make it impossible to buy him down.

[RS]

7 minutes ago, GlassCity said:

Cavallini’s a DP - his wage + transfer fee make it impossible to buy him down.

Makes sense. The $6 million fee itself would make him an above max player, even when spread out over the term of the deal.